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Shop Local Ideas: Volume 1 (The Early Shopper)

Shop Local Ideas: Volume 1 (The Early Shopper)

Nov 28, 20144 min read

The holidays are upon us. Break out the eggnog, hang the mistletoe and start the shopping. Have a Tucson Foodie on the list but not sure what to get them? Have no fear, below are some ideas to make gift giving a piece of cake.

For Your Cheesy Friend

Sunday Brunch Basket at Blu a Wine and Cheese Stop with Stu's Bloody Mary Mix, Sour Puss pickles, olives and salami. Picture taken by Kristin Tovar
Sunday Brunch Basket at Blu a Wine and Cheese Stop with Stu’s Bloody Mary Mix, Sour Puss pickles, Empeltre olives and Creminelli Wild Boar salami. Picture taken by Kristin Tovar

Offering a variety of wines, gourmet products and specialty domestic cheeses, Blu, a Wine and Cheese Stop is crafting the perfect gift baskets for the holidays. Some of the baskets include the Wine Adventurer, I Love Arizona, Spice of Life, Pucker Up and the Gluten Free Goddess. If one of the pre-designed baskets doesn’t tickle the fancy, poke around and create a one of a kind.

Custom Cookie Cutters

Alchemist Visions AR-15 Cookie Cutter
Alchemist Visions AR-15 Cookie Cutter

Check out Pablo Sua of Alchemist Visions on Etsy.com for some of the most creative cookie cutters around. From a full set of Pac Man characters to an Air Jordan Jumpman, with the state of Arizona in between. They are sure to bring a smile and just might result in cookies as a thank you.

For the Green Thumb

Regional Corn Variety from Native SEED/Search
Regional Corn Variety from Native SEED/Search

Visit Bon at the Broadway Village for one of a kind pots and decorative items for the garden. Then stroll over to Native Seed Search for something to put those lovely pots. They have assembled collections of seeds to intrigue any gardener. Choose from the chile seed, heritage seed, herb garden, or low desert wildflower collection just to name a few. Go rogue and put together a collection, throw in a pound of heritage beans and a book on seed saving and you might just want to keep the gift.

For the Home Cook

Balsamic Vinegar and Olive Oil displayed at Alfonso Olive Oil  (Photo Credit: Michael Moriarty Photography)
Balsamic Vinegar and Olive Oil displayed at Alfonso Olive Oil (Photo Credit: Michael Moriarty Photography)

Blood Orange Olive Oil. Blackberry Ginger Balsamic Vinegar. Serrano Honey Vinegar. Intrigued yet? With dozens of specialty vinegars and olive oils to choose from at Alfonso’s Olive Oil, it’s easy to find a great pairing for the home cook. Make sure to ask one of the friendly staff for cooking ideas and good luck not buying a bottle or two of your own.

For the Host with the Most

Sand Reckoner Vineyards
Sand Reckoner Vineyards

Bottles of wine are always a hit. Keep it local and check out one of the many unique wineries in Arizona. Want to give something other than wine? Stop by the Hacienda Del Sol Gift Shop for western inspired dish towels, aprons, and wine bags. Farmer’s Markets are full of surprises like fragrant soap from Desert Oasis Soap company or hand made wooden spoons and cutting boards. Looking for flowers? La Fleur Plantscapes for eco-friendly floral design sure to make any holiday table a bit more special.

For the Philanthropist

Iskashitaa Refugee Network Harvesting Pumpkins (Photo Credit: Iskashitaa Refugee Network)
Iskashitaa Refugee Network Harvesting Pumpkins (Photo Credit: Iskashitaa Refugee Network)

The holidays are also a season of giving gratitude. Support one of the local charities that help put food on the table. Visit the websites for Community Food Bank, Iskashitaa Refuge Network or Native Seed Search and find the charity that identifies with the philanthropist on your list.

For the Beer Geek

Stout Pint at Good Oak Bar
Stout Pint at Good Oak Bar

Stroll over to 1702 bottle shop, Tap & Bottle, or one of the many breweries and assemble the ideal six pack. Give the gift that keeps on giving and visit Brew Your Own Brew. They can help put together a brewing kit for pale ales well into the New Year.

For the Outdoors Lover

Bicycle With Rack from Transit Cycles (Photo Credit: Transit Cycles)
Bicycle With Rack from Transit Cycles (Photo Credit: Transit Cycles)

What goes best with a Sunday bike ride? A Sunday picnic of course. Visit Transit Cycles in the Mercado San Agustín for a variety of tools that make both bike rides and picnics a beautiful pair. For example an aesthetic basket for the front of a bike or an adjustable water bottle cage perfect for carrying a bottle of wine.

For the Caffeine Junkie

Fresh Grounds at Yellow Brick Coffee Cupping Event
Fresh Grounds at Yellow Brick Coffee Cupping Event

Every morning your giftee will be sending positive thoughts your way as they sip a warm cup of coffee. Check out Stella, Exo, Savaya or Cartel for special gift bags for the season. Want to give a coffee subscription? Visit Yellow Brick Coffee for specialty coffee beans from around the globe. Not sure which coffee to pick? Tucson Foodie has you covered.

Article written by:

Alicynn Fink

Alicynn Fink

More about Alicynn
Alicynn Fink is a recent grad from the University of Gastronomic Sciences. Follow her stories at restaurantwife.com.

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After a concert at Congress, a long shift, or a night out on Fourth Avenue, you might not want to stay up even later to cook. Thank you, late night kitchens. The options span more than just drive-thrus and dollar menus. From Sonoran hot dogs and solar-baked pizza to fresh gyros and craft cocktails with bar bites, Tucson’s late-night scene covers serious ground.

Some spots stay open past 2 a.m., while others offer late-night happy hours that make the decision even easier. This guide rounds up places to eat late in Tucson after 10 p.m., whether you need a full meal or just something to hold you over. Hours can change after this article is updated, so check ahead before you head out.

@bison_witches 
@brooklynpizzaco 
@bumsteds 
@elliottsoncongress 
@gentlebens 
@omars_hiway_chef 
@hubdowntown 
@karameloking 
@kontiki_tucson 
@miramontetucson 
@pocketspoolandpub 
@quesos_on_4th 
@red_garter_tucson 
@sisterstucson 
@surlywenchpub 
@jackrabbitloungetucson 
@tridentbargrill 
@uncorked_bar
@uniontucson 
@urbanpitaaz 
@woodennickeltucson 

Tucsonfoodie.comAfter a concert at Congress, a long shift, or a night out on Fourth Avenue, you might not want to stay up even later to cook. Thank you, late night kitchens. The options span more than just drive-thrus and dollar menus. From Sonoran hot dogs and solar-baked pizza to fresh gyros and craft cocktails with bar bites, Tucson’s late-night scene covers serious ground. Some spots stay open past 2 a.m., while others offer late-night happy hours that make the decision even easier. This guide rounds up places to eat late in Tucson after 10 p.m., whether you need a full meal or just something to hold you over. Hours can change after this article is updated, so check ahead before you head out. @bison_witches @brooklynpizzaco @bumsteds @elliottsoncongress @gentlebens @omars_hiway_chef @hubdowntown @karameloking @kontiki_tucson @miramontetucson @pocketspoolandpub @quesos_on_4th @red_garter_tucson @sisterstucson @surlywenchpub @jackrabbitloungetucson @tridentbargrill @uncorked_bar @uniontucson @urbanpitaaz @woodennickeltucson Tucsonfoodie.com
Tucson’s resorts offer some of the region’s most memorable dining, from Sonoran-inspired steakhouses to poolside grills with mountain views. Whether you’re staying overnight or stopping in for dinner, these properties make the meal part of the experience.

Additionally, the variety across these resorts featured here spans far beyond a single style of dining. Guests can settle into a fine-dining room overlooking the Santa Catalinas, grab tacos by the pool, or join a chef-led cooking class before dinner. Each property brings its own take on desert hospitality, so this guide breaks down where to eat and what makes each spot worth the trip.🧳🌞

@arizonainn 
@canyonranch 
@casinodelsolresort 
@playddcsoaz 
@elconquistadoresort 
@haciendadelsolaz 
@jwstarrpass 
@lodgeonthedesert 
@loewsventana 
@miravalarizona 
@miravistaresort 
@omnitucsonnational 
@solana_spanish_villas 
@tanqueverderanch 
@jthtucson 
@ritzcarltondovemountain 
@westinlapaloma 
@whitestallionranchaz 

Tucsonfoodie.com 

#tucsonfoodie #tucsonazTucson’s resorts offer some of the region’s most memorable dining, from Sonoran-inspired steakhouses to poolside grills with mountain views. Whether you’re staying overnight or stopping in for dinner, these properties make the meal part of the experience. Additionally, the variety across these resorts featured here spans far beyond a single style of dining. Guests can settle into a fine-dining room overlooking the Santa Catalinas, grab tacos by the pool, or join a chef-led cooking class before dinner. Each property brings its own take on desert hospitality, so this guide breaks down where to eat and what makes each spot worth the trip.🧳🌞 @arizonainn @canyonranch @casinodelsolresort @playddcsoaz @elconquistadoresort @haciendadelsolaz @jwstarrpass @lodgeonthedesert @loewsventana @miravalarizona @miravistaresort @omnitucsonnational @solana_spanish_villas @tanqueverderanch @jthtucson @ritzcarltondovemountain @westinlapaloma @whitestallionranchaz Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonfoodie #tucsonaz
@Thedistrict520 has taken over a Tucson address with nearly two decades of history. 

Once home to Pastiche, the space sat dark and gutted for two years after a difficult chapter that left the building severely damaged. Now, longtime Pastiche regulars Gabriel Cordova and Tracy Hien have brought 3025 N. Campbell Ave. back to life.

The result is something entirely new: a sports bar with nine 4K screens, shuffleboard, a pool table, and a scratch-cooking approach to burgers, wings, shrimp, and more.

From rebuilding the space themselves to receiving the blessing of Pastiche owner Pat Connors’ widow, Julie, the story behind The District is about more than opening a restaurant. It is about giving a wounded neighborhood landmark another chapter.

Read @sea_lyon’s full story at Tucsonfoodie.com. 

Photos by @sea_lyon 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonaz@Thedistrict520 has taken over a Tucson address with nearly two decades of history. Once home to Pastiche, the space sat dark and gutted for two years after a difficult chapter that left the building severely damaged. Now, longtime Pastiche regulars Gabriel Cordova and Tracy Hien have brought 3025 N. Campbell Ave. back to life. The result is something entirely new: a sports bar with nine 4K screens, shuffleboard, a pool table, and a scratch-cooking approach to burgers, wings, shrimp, and more. From rebuilding the space themselves to receiving the blessing of Pastiche owner Pat Connors’ widow, Julie, the story behind The District is about more than opening a restaurant. It is about giving a wounded neighborhood landmark another chapter. Read @sea_lyon’s full story at Tucsonfoodie.com. Photos by @sea_lyon #tucsonfoodie #tucsonaz
New menu at @Basqueriaaz🔥

Some of the Tucson Foodie team stopped by Basqueria to check out the new menu. Here’s some of what we tried on our visit:

Andalusian green beans and beef pintxo
Tinned sardines
Manchego and quince
Niçoise salad
Lobster bisque
Garlic mushrooms
Fried zucchini
Spanish chicken and mushrooms
Salmón coca
Salumi bocadillo
Cold tapas trio
Chocolate crepes
Pastries

To drink:
Marianito
Carajillo
Sangria 

Basqueria’s new menu puts Basque and Spanish flavors front and center, with expanded tapas, pintxos, paella, brunch, and cocktails. Weekend brunch runs 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with La Hora del Vermut before the midday meal. Happy hour is Monday–Thursday from 4–6 p.m. and Friday–Saturday from 10 p.m. until close.

Read @jackie_tran_’s article/check out his photos on Tucsonfoodie.com 

#tucsonfoodie #downtowntucsonNew menu at @Basqueriaaz🔥 Some of the Tucson Foodie team stopped by Basqueria to check out the new menu. Here’s some of what we tried on our visit: Andalusian green beans and beef pintxo Tinned sardines Manchego and quince Niçoise salad Lobster bisque Garlic mushrooms Fried zucchini Spanish chicken and mushrooms Salmón coca Salumi bocadillo Cold tapas trio Chocolate crepes Pastries To drink: Marianito Carajillo Sangria Basqueria’s new menu puts Basque and Spanish flavors front and center, with expanded tapas, pintxos, paella, brunch, and cocktails. Weekend brunch runs 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with La Hora del Vermut before the midday meal. Happy hour is Monday–Thursday from 4–6 p.m. and Friday–Saturday from 10 p.m. until close. Read @jackie_tran_’s article/check out his photos on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonfoodie #downtowntucson